Retractable Wall-Mounted Electrical Plug With Spring-Loaded Cord Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power cords for portable communication devices are often misplaced, creating frustration and clutter, and there is a need for a neat and stationary solution for charging these devices.
Innovation Solution
A retractable wall-mounted electrical plug system with a support box and face plate that houses a telescopic plug and cord, using a spring to retract the plug when not in use, ensuring the cord is safely stored and easily accessible for charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional power cord is used with a wall plug, then the device can be charged, but the cord is likely to be misplaced or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is extracted from the conventional portable power cord and mounted permanently to the wall, separating the stationary power source from the movable cord. This eliminates the need to track the plug location while maintaining charging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A retractable cord mechanism serves as an intermediary between the wall-mounted plug and the power outlet. The cord can be extended when needed and automatically retracts when not in use, providing reliable power connection without requiring the user to manage cord placement.
2Reliability
If the power cord is kept plugged in at a single outlet, then it avoids misplacement, but it creates clutter on countertops and desks
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is extracted from the portable cord configuration and permanently mounted to the wall. This removes the source of clutter (the extended cord lying on surfaces) while maintaining the charging function through the retractable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The power cord transitions from a static, extended state creating clutter to a dynamic, retractable state. The cord automatically retracts into the wall mounting when not in use, eliminating visual clutter while remaining available for charging when needed.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a retractable mechanism is used to store the cord, then clutter is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable mechanism is designed to operate automatically without user intervention. The cord retracts itself using spring tension or similar self-actuating mechanisms, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control systems that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex electronic retractable mechanisms are replaced with simple mechanical spring-based systems. The spring tension provides automatic retraction force, achieving cord storage with minimal mechanical components and no electronic control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a neat, stationary, and convenient charging solution that prevents cord misplacement, reduces clutter, and ensures the cord remains protected and ready for use, while allowing flexible use of the device during charging.
Implementation Method 1
A spring, such as a coil tension spring, is mounted between the interior of the support box and the interior end of the electrical cord and is configured for biasing the electrical cord through the cord opening of the face plate and into the support box.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable electrical plug for mounting in a hollow wall structure of a building and for charging the batteries of portable communication devices, including a face plate for mounting to hollow wall structures defining on its exterior surface a plug recess, a plug shaped to nest in the plug recess, a cord opening in the face plate extending from the plug recess to the interior surface of the face plate, and an electrical conductor cord that extends from the plug and through the cord opening into the hollow wall.